Fuel-feeding device



1. c. CGULOMBE.

ENEL FEEDING DEVICE FOR ENGINES. APPLICATION FLED MAR. 3|, 1917- RENEWEDDEC- 7, |920. 1,365,154. Patented Jan. 11, 192i.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

2 L, .h n w m9 J. C. COULUMBE.

FUEL EEEDING DEVICE FOR ENGINES.

APPLICATION msn MAR. 31. |917. RENEWED DEC. 71920.

Patented Jan. 11, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PTENT CFFI.

UNITED STA'ILES JOSEPH C. COULOMBE, OF LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS.

FUEL-FEEDIN'G DEVICE FOR ENGNES.

Application filed March 31, 1917, Serial No. 159,644. Renewed December7, 1920.

To all to tem it may concern Be it known that l, JOSEPH C. CoULoMnn, acitizen of the United States, and a resident of Lowell, in the county ofMiddlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Fuel Feeding Devices for Engines, of which thefollowing is full, clear, and exact description, whereby any one skilledin the art may make and use the same.

The invention relates to fuel feeding devices; that is, a device whichwill raise the fuel from a comparatively low level to a level higherthan the source and the point of use, and will distribute the fuel tothe point of use under the action of gravity.

The object of the invention is to produce a simple, compact devicehaving features of control as to its valve mechanism, which will giveaccuracy, precision, and a positive and quick movement to the parts.

A further object is to provide against improper action of a float whichmay have lost a part of or all of its buoyancy through becoming oillogged.

An important object is to provide a simple structure with features ofaccessibility and adjustability, with a material reduction in the numberof parts employed and still maintain great ellicienoy in operation.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a vertical section through the casing and chambers of thedevice showing the controlling valve closed.

Fig. 2 is a similar sectional view showing the controlling valve fullyopened.

3 is a top plan view of the device.

Fig. et is a detail bottom view of the connecting block.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of a combined primer and strainerplug.

The device hereinafter described and shown in the drawings comprises theessentials ofv a bacuum fed system. The engine, gasolene tanl7 formingthe source of supply, and the connection of the source of suction (themanifold or carbureter of the engine) are not illustrated. These partsare now well known in the art.

lThe essential controlling elements of the device are arranged in acomparatively small tank which is preferably located under the hood ofan automobile, being located between the fuel tank and the carburetorand a level above them.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 11, 1921.

Serial No. 429,037.

The suction produced by the engine at its intake side is utilized forcreating a partial vacuum or sub-atmospheric condition in a portion ofthe device, thus drawing up the fuel from the fuel tank.

Through a simple valve device this fuel, when drawn into one chamber ofthe tank, is released and passes into a distributing chamber from whichit flows to the carbureter under the action of gravity.

Referring to the drawings, the vacuum feed tank consists of an upperchamber l, having, as shown, a cylindrical casing 2, which is arrangedto slide into a main casing 3, with a fairly loose nt. 4l, denotesretaining or clamping straps encircling the main casing 23, and, throughtheir clamping action, binding said casing against the inner casing 2.

A supporting plate 5, closes the bottom of the casing 2, and isolatesthe chamber l, from the exterior casing 3, thus forming a distributingchamber 6. This chamber 6, is connected through a suitable duct 7, andnecessary piping to the fuel chamber of the carburetor. The outer casing3, clamped about the inner chamber', crimps sufliciently to permit animperfect seal between the walls of said chambers, and thus the chamerG, is always under a condition of substantially atmospheric pressure.

The upper or operating chamber l, has mounted exteriorly to it amanifold housing 8, which provides all of the necessary connections forthe fuel line and suction line and has special features ofconstructions. i fuel connection is illustrated at 9, and has a passage10, connecting with a ver tical screw-threaded boring 1l. It is alsoprovided with a connection 12, which enters the chamber 13, which,through a comparatively small gate or opening 14, connects with achamber l5. The chamber 15, overlies an opening 16', formed through thehead of the casing and provides a suction connection between the chamber1,. and the connected parts which extend to the manifold, carbureter, orother source of suction. Dividing the chambers 13, and l5, there is abaffle-plate 16, which serves to prevent splashing of fuel from thechamber l, into the suction connections.

Obviously, should there be splashing in the chamber l, the fuel wouldhardly find its way through the chamber 15, past the baille 16, chamber13, and into the suction connections in any considerable quantity or, infact, such quantity as would disturb the action of the engine throughthe introduction of fuel above the point of carburetion.

lVhen the housing 8, is placed upon the head of the casing 2, thescrew-threaded opening 11, is arranged ccncentrically of the casing.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, it is provided with a plug 17, having anannular peripheral groove 18, cross-connected by an opening 19, whichregisters with the opening 10. It also has a downwardly extending boring20. Fig. 5 shows a preferred form of plug and strainer.

Dependent from the housing 3, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5, there isa delivery and guide tube 21, through which the fuel is deliveredcentrally of the chamber 1. This tube also forms a supporting guide forthe casing 22, which incloses a chamber 23, which might well be termed aliquid seal chamber. rlhe casing 22, is of cylindrical form and is openat its lower end as at 24. It is provided with a central, tubularbearing portion 25, which slides upon the downwardly extending inlettube 21.

Surrounding the downwardly extending inlet tube 21, and guide tube 25,is a float 26, having an opening 27, through its center and with aproper opening 2S, leading therefrom to the operating chamber 1. This.float has a central guide tube 29, which slides upon the tube 25, ofthe casing 22. At the lower end of the central opening' 2.7, of 'thefloat, there is a stop valve 30. rthis valve serves to close the lowerend 31, of the inlet tube 21, and also serves as a stop for limiting theupward movement of the float.

The lower end 31, of the tube 21, serves as a valve seat for thecombined valve and stop 30. Secured to the iloat 26, and extendingupwardly and just beyond the lower edge of the casing 22, of the liquidsea chamber` 23, is a baille-cup This prevents the percolating air fromthe distributing chamber 6, entering the lower edge of the liquid sealchamber and breaking the partial vacuum which is trapped therein, ashereinafter described.

llhe stop valve 30, serves not only to limit movement of the float innormal operations,

but cuts o the flow through the inlet tubev 21, and also providesagainst flooding of the chamber 1, in the event of the supply tank beingraised above the level of the chamber 1. Obviously, under suchcondition, fuel would flow under gravity irrespective of the vacuum inthe chamber 1. Such a condition is not infrequent upon automobiles.

A pin 33, secured to the head of the casing 22, extends downwardlythrough an opening 34, in the float and has a hooked end 35, which willengage the bottom of the float and raise it, in the event of the liquidseal chamber becoming buoyant before the float 26. Such a conditionwould exist in the event of the float 26. (usually, a cork float)becoming gasolene logged. Under such a condition, the Heat would nothave sufficient buoyancy to operate the valve mechanism hereinafterdescribed. lt follows that the liquid seal chamber, itself becomingsufficiently buoyant, would rise and the hook 35, would impinge upon theunder side of the float 26, raising it. T his arrangement provides asafety device or auxiliary lift for the valve and obviates floattroubles. The opening 34, also has a function in providing for theventing of the chamber 23, when the liquid level drops below the bottomof the float 26. rlChis opening through the float serves to equalize therelative pressures of the inverted cup and suction chamber whenever theliquid level drops below the bottom of the iloat. The inverted cup orliquid seal chamber never loses its buoyancy as a fresh supply of air isprovided at each of its movements. Secured to the bottom of the floatand extending downwardly therefrom, is a. bracket member 36, which, atits lower end, provides a stop 3'?, which impinges against the uppersurface of the plate or partitioning wall 5, and limits the downwardmovement of the float. Centrally arranged thereof, there is a pivot pin33, which is engaged by the bifuracted ends 39, 39u, of toggle levers40, 41. The lever 41, is pivoted as at 43, and the lever ends 44, 45,are inter-connected by a resilient member or coil spring 46.

The lever 40, is pivoted as at 47, to a spindle 48, which actuates avalve 49. The seat 50, for the valve 49, is formed on the plate 5, andthe valve controls a valve opening 51, which serves as a means forperiodically connecting the operating or suction chamber 1, and thedistributing chamber G.

As the valve 49, is of considerable area, a relief opening 52, isprovided centrally thereof, which opening is controlled by a taperedvalve 53. The valve 53, has a stem 54, screw-threaded with reference tothe spindle 48, so that it may be adjusted. lt passes through a guidebracket 53a, which bracket also serves as a stop for limiting thedownward movement of the valve 49, and spindle 48. The initial movementof the iioat is first transmitted to the spindle to open the taperedvalve 53, and uncover' the relief opening 52. A further movement bringsthe lower end 48a, of the spindle into engagement with the upper face of'the valve 49, forcing it away from its seat and uncovering the valveopening 51.

Following the above description, it will be noted that there are threedistinct stops for the valve and loat mechanism. rlhe stop 37, limitsthe downward movement of quick and positive manner.

the float so that the spring 46, may, through the toggle levers 40, 4l,seat the valve 49, and the tapered valve 53, in an extremely Likewise,the stop valve 30, serves to limit the upward movement of the float 26,just as the toggle levers 40, 4l, have passed above the common line ofcenters of their pivots.

The limit of movement of the float 26, thus permits the toggle levers40, 4l, to react under the influence of the spring 46, to open the mainvalve 49, with a very quick and powerful movement. There is a third stopformed by the guide bracket 53a, which limits the downward movement ofthe valve and limits the upward movement of the toggle levers. Thispermits the float to operate the toggle levers against the resistance ofthe spring 46, until said float, in rising, has passed the common lineof centers of the levers.

The whole operation of controlling the flow of liquid to and from thesuction chamber is effected through the main valve 49, the freeing andquickness of action of which are enhancedbythe relief afforded. Itcontrols the passage of fuel from the operating chamber to thedistributing chamber and periodically permits the flow of the fuelaccumulating in the operating chamber under suction action to thedistributing chamber, whereby by gravity it flows to the carbureter.

The liquid seal chamber 23, controls the positive action of the Heat.Assuming that the float is down and the level of fuel is below thebottom of the casing 22, the chamber 23, is subjected to the samesuction as that of the chamber l. As the fuel rises, it seals the lowerend of the chamber 23, forming a liquid seal.

The casing 22, in normal position of the parts, extends down over thefloat 26, and the iioat being down, the valve 49, is closed. The chamberl, has no connection whatever with the atmosphere except as the valve49. is open, and then, only indirectly through the distributing chamber6.

The operation of the device is obvious. Assuming that the operatingchamber l, is empty, the float 26. will be down and the valve 49, willbe closed. Partial vacuum will be established in the operating chamberl, and the liquid seal chamber 23, through the suction connection, andfuel will flow into chamber l, through the fuel inlet and tube 2l..

As the level of the fuel rises above the lower edge of the casing 22,the chamber 23, will be sealed and said chamber' will be separated andisolated from the suction chamber l, through the action of the liquid.closing or sealing the lower end of the chamber As the fuel continues torise in the chamber l, it will also rise in the liquid seal chamber, butthe level in the liquid seal chamber 23, will be lower than that in thechamber l.

When the level in the chamber 23, has attained a sufficient height toimmerse the float 26, or give it sufficient buoyancy, it will re-actupon the toggle levers 40, 41, opening the relief of the valve 49.Thereupon, air will percolate through the liquid of the chamber l,reducing the vacuum of said chamber.l

This equalizing of pressures between the chambers l, and 6, produces anincreased pressure in thechamber 1.

Under the increased pressure of chamber l, the fuel will be forced intothe liquid seal chamber 23, to a suiiicient degree to raise said float.Thereupon, the toggles and their spring will re-act, fully opening thevalve 49, and throwing the valve stop 30, against its seat 31. The fuelin the chamber l, will now drop under gravity into the distributingchamber 6, and the liquid seal chamber will discharge its fuel so thatsaid chamber will be subjected to the same suction as the chamber l,when the valve 49, has again closed.

Obviously, the inverted cup or casing 22, is buoyant and, as a matter offact. is suf5 ciently buoyant when the level of fuel rises to asuflicient height to re-act through the hook 35, of the pin 33, to raisethe weight of the oat 26, in the event of said float becoming gas loggedand, therefore, being only partially buoyant.

The lowering of the level of fuel in the chamber l, does not immediatelyaffect the float 26, inasmuch as it is inclosed by the casing of theliquid seal chamber 23, and buoyed by the liquid contained and heldtherein.

As the level drops below the float, the pressures of the chamber 23, andthe chamber 1, are equalized, and with the liquid seal broken, saidchamber 23, discharges its contents. The float drops with the nownonbuoyant chamber 23, said members effecting a distinct hammer-blow topositively close the valve.

The cycle of operations above described will be repeated and theoperating chamber l, will continue to discharge its fuel to thedistributing chamber 6, so long as the latter is under atmosphericpressure. Tn the event of lthe fuel rising and accumulating in thechamber 6, until it seals the atmospheric leaks between the walls of thechambers l and 2, there could be no further discharge from the chamberl, to the chamber 6. This, of course, is an eXtreme condition, as thefloat mechanism will cut off the flow of fuel to the chamber 1, uponrising of the iioat 26. The device is designed in practice to providefor a substantially constant quantity of fuel in the distributingchamber 6, dependent upon the requirements of the carbureter which isbeing fed.

For convenience and clearness, Fig. 1 has been shown without referenceto the straining of the inflowing fuel. In practice, it is preferred toutilize a plug arrangement such as illustrated in Fig. 5. Such a plugcan be conveniently used both as a strainer and a priming plug bysecuring to the lower end of the plug member 17, a dependent,cylindrical strainer 17a, which will lit within the fuel tube 21.

In the event of the whole system being depleted and for purposes ofgiving an initial quantity of fuel to start the engine, the plug 17, maybe unscrewed so that fuel may be introduced into the chamber 1.rEhereafter, the suction of the engine will draw up fuel to thechamber 1. It will be observed that the casing 2, of the chamber 1,contains all of the operating mechanism and, as said chamber may bereadily removed from the main casing 3, it is apparent that its partsare most accessible. It is only necessary to loosen the upper bindingstrap 4, to release and pull out the inner casing 2, with its containedmechanism.

Obviously, the eXact details, design, and construction of the parts maybe varied to suit the exigencies of any particular case so long as theelements giving the advantages set forth are attained.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interiorcasing member, clamp devices for contracting the exterior casing uponthe interior casing, a connection communicating `with the fuel tanlr andinterior casing, a connection communicating with the interior casing anda source of suction, and a delivery connection extending from theexterior casing.

2. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributingchamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, asupporting plate removably secured to the bottom of the interior easing,a valve opening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanismsupported on said plate interiorly of the casing for actuating thevalve.

3. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributingchamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, asupporting plate removably secured to the bottom of the interior casing,a valve opening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanismsupported on said plate interiorly of the casing for actuating thevalve, and means for removing the interior casing and parts mountedtherein.

4:. In a fuel feeding device, telescoping casings, the inner telescopingcasing having means for clamping the telescoping mem.

bers together.

5. A fuel feeding device having an operating or suction chamber and adistributing chamber, a supporting plate separating said chambers andprovided with a valve opening, a valve controlling said opening, a lioatactuating said valve, and toggles mounted upon the supporting plateconnected with said float and with said valve.

6. A fuel feeding device having an operating or suction chamber and adistributing chamber, a supporting plate separating said chambers andprovided with a valve openiig, a valve controlling said opening, a floatactuating said valve, toggles connected with said float and with saidvalve, said toggles mounted upon said supporting plate, and a resilientconnection for moving said toggles as they are moved beyond their commonline of center by the float.

7. In a fuel feeding device, a casing, a supporting plate dividing saidcasing into a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a fuel inlettube centrally arranged in said suction chamber, an inverted cupslidably mounted on said inlet, a float slidably mounted with referenceto the fuel inlet tube and having a stop valve for limiting its upwardmovement and closing said inlet, a stop for limiting the downwardmovement of the float, a valve controlling communication between thesuction chamber and distributing chamber, and toggle levers connectedwith sai-d valve and said float for controlling said valve.

S. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributingchamber closed to each other except through a valve opening, saiddistributing chamber being under atmospheric pressure, a valvecontrolling the valve opening, a fuel inlet tube extending into thesuction chamber, an inverted cup surrounding said tube and slidingthereon, a float sliding with reference to the tube and inverted cup andextending within said cup, a stop valve carried by said float andlimiting the upward movement thereof and closing the inlet tube, a stoplimiting the downward movement of said oat, and a stop limiting themovement of the valve, toggle levers connecting with said valve andfloat au d resiliently inter-connected.

9. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valve opening between said chambers, a valve controlling said opening,a float, connections between said lioat and valve for controlling thelatter, an inverted cup encircling said iioat, and means extendingbetween the cup and {ioat for engaging and moving the float upon anupward movement of the cup.

10. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valve opening and valve controlling communication between saidchambers, said distributing chamber being under atmospheric pressure, afloat for controlling said valve, an inverted cup extending over saidfloat, and a baffle-cup borne by the ioat and extending upwardly toprotect the lower edge of said cup.

11. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributingchamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, saidvalve controlling the iiow of liquid from the suction chamber to thedistributing chamber and controlling the degrec of suction in thesuction chamber, resiliently actuated toggle members for moving saidvalve, and a float for moving said toggle levers.

12. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributingchamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers,resiliently actuated toggle levers for moving said valve, a float formoving said toggle levers, a fuel inlet tube forming a support for saidfloat, and means appurtenant to the float for closing the fuel inlettube.

13. A fuel feeding device, having telescoping casings, the exteriorcasing providing a distributing chamber, the interior casing providing asuction chamber, a housing exteriorly secured to the casing of thesuction chamber, said housing provided with a fuel connection and with asuction connection, a chamber communicating with said suctionconnection, a baffle-wall in said chamber, and an opening from thesuction chamber at one side of the baffle.

14. In a fuel feeding device, a casing, a suction chamber and adistributing chamber arranged within the casing, a housing secured tothe suction chamber, a fuel connection and a suction connection for saidhousing, both connections having openings to the suction chamber, aremovable plug having openings communicating with the fuel connectionopenings, a fuel inlet tube extending within the suction chamber andcommunieating with the openings of the pluo.

15. In a fuel feeding device, a casing, a suction chamber and adistributing chamber arranged within the casing, a housing secured tothe suction chamber, a fuel connection and a suction connection forsaidhousing, both connections having openings to the suction chamber, aremovableplug having openings communicating with the fuel connectionopenings, a fuel inlet tube extending within the suction chamber andcommunicating with the openings of the plug, and a tubular screensecured to the plug and removable therewith.

16. A fuel feeding device having a casing,

a suction chamber, a distributing chamber, a valve and valve mechanismcontrolllng communication between said chambers, a fuel inlet tubeforming a guide and support for the valve cont-rolling mechanism, ahousing mounted exteriorly of the suction chamber and having a fuelconnection communicating with the fuel inlet tube, a removable plughaving openings forming a part of the connection, a chamber in saidhousing, an opening communicating with said chamber and the suctionchamber, a suction connection for the housing communieating with thechamber', and a baffle-wall between the opening of the suction chamberand the suction connection.

17. A fuel feeding device, having a suction chamber and a distributingchamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, avalve operating mechanism comprising a buoyant float, an inverted cupextending over said float and movable with reference thereto, and aconnection intermediate the cup and fioat and effective upon a movementof the cup in advance of movement of the float as said parts becomebuoyant.

18. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interiorcasing member telescoping therein, said interior casing having anextended upper edge forming a support for said casing as it engages theupper edge of the exterior casing member, a clamp for binding the wallsof the casings within each other, a connection communicating with thefuel tank and the interior casing, a connection communicating with theinterior casing and a source of suction, and a delivery connectionextending from the exterior casing.

19. ln a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interiorcasing member, said members telescoping one within the other, a clampfor binding the walls of the casings within each other, a connectioncommunicating with the fuel tank and interior casing, a connectioncommunicating with the interior casing and a source ofsuction, and adelivery connection extending from the exterior casing.

20. ln a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interiorcasing member, said members telescoping one within the other, a clampfor binding the walls of the casings within each other, said clampforming a supporting means for both of said casings, a connectioncommunicating with the fuel tank and interior casing, a connectioncommunicating with the interior casing and a source of suction, and adelivery connection extending from the exterior casing.

21. ln a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing member, an interiorcasing member, said members telescoping one within the other, a combinedclamp and support for said casings, said clamp adapted to bind the wallsof the casings together and support the casings in clamped positionwhereby a loosening of the clamp permits disengagement and removal ofone of the casings.

22. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributingchamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, aclamp device for binding the walls of one chamber against the other toprevent relative longitudinal movement thereof and permitting removal ofthe interior casing and contained mechanism, a supporting plateremovably secured to the interior casing and forming a closure therefor,a valve-opening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanismsupported on said plate for actuating the valve.

23. In a fuel feeding device, telescoping casings, the inner telescopingcasing having a removable end plate forming a support for a controllingvalve and valve mechanism, a valve and mechanism for controlling thevalve mounted on and removable with the plate, and means for clampingthe telescoping members together.

24. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributingchamber, an interior casing having an opera-ting chamberY a removablesupporting plate forming a closure for the interior casing, avalveopening therethrough, a valve for said opening and mechanismsupported on said plate for actuating the valve.

25. A fuel feeding device having a operating or suction chamber and adistributing chamber, the former closed except for a suction connectionand a fuel supply connection and a valve-opening in a passagecommunicating with the suction chamber1 and distributing chamber, asupporting plate separating said chambers and having the saidcommunicating passage formed therethrough, a valve controlling saidpassage, a float actuating said valve, and toggles connected with saidfloat and with said valve for operating the latter, said valvecontrolling the flow of liquid from the suction chamber to thedistributing chamber and controlling the breaking of the suction of thesuction chamber.

26. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, afloat for actuating said valve mechanism, and a fuel inlet for thesuction chamber extending through said float.

27. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, afloat for actuating said valve mechanism, and a buoyant inverted cupencircling said float.

28. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, afloat for actuating said valve mechanism, and a buoyant inverted cupencircling said float and moving with and independently of the movementof the float.

29. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valveopening between said chambers, a valve .controlling said opening,a float, connections between said float and valve for controlling thelatter, said connections extending through the valve openings, and aninverted cup encircling said float, said cup mounted to rise and fall asthe level of liquid in the suction chamber changes.

80. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valve mechanism for controlling the operation of the suction chamber,a float, connections between the float and valve mechanism forcontrolling the latter, an inverted cup encircling the float, and a fuelinlet for the suction chamber extending through the float and invertedcup.

3l. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a fuel inlet thereforextending into said chamber, a valve mechanism for controlling theoperation of the suction chamber, a float, connections between the floatand valve mechanism, and an inverted cup, said cup and float surroundingthe fuel inlet and supported thereby.

32. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributing chamber,a valve mechanism for controlling the action of the suction chamber, afloat controlling the valve mechanism, an inverted cup encircling saidfloat and having a movement independent of the movement of the float,and interengaging connections for causing the float and cup to movetogether.

33. A fuel feeding device, having a suction chamber and a. distributingchamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers, avalve mechanism controlling said valve, a float for actuating said valvemechanism and valve, and a fuel inlet extending through said float. A

34. In a fuel feeding device a casing, a partition dividing said casinginto a suction chamber and a distributing chamber, a manifold housingexteriorly secured to the casing and having a suction chamberregistering with an opening through the casing of the suction chamber, afuel connection and a suction connection for said housing, the formerleading through the housing to the suction chamber, the latter leadingthrough the suction chamber of the manifold, and a float guide memberdependent from said housing and extending Within the suction chamber.

35. In a fuel feeding device, a casing inclosing a suction chamber and adistributing chamber, a fuel inlet tube extending into said suctionchamber, a valve mechanism, a float for operating said valve mechanism,said float encircling the fuel inlet tube and having an openingtherethrough for the passage of fuel, and a valve in said float forclosing the end of the fuel inlet tube.

36. In combination in a fuel feeding device having a suction chamber anda valve mechanism for controlling t action of the suction chamber, aiioat controlling the valve mechanism, an inverted cup encircling saidfloat and coperating therewith in controlling the valve mechanism, andan annular baffle-cup extending about the float and upward toward thebottom of the inverted cup.

37. In a device of the character described, having a suction chamber, avalve mechanism for controlling the action of said suction chamber, afloat controlling said valve mechanism, an inverted cup encircling saidfloat, and an opening extending through the float, said opening forminga communication between the interior of the inverted cup and the suctionchamber, whereby the relative air pressures of the inverted cup andsuction chamber may be equalized.

38. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributingchamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, aremovable plate secured to the bottom of the interior chamber, avalveopening therethrough, a valve for said opening, and mechanism borneby said plate for actuating the valve.

39. In a fuel feeding device, an exterior casing having a distributingchamber, an interior casing having an operating and suction chamber, aremovable plate secured to the interior casing and removable therewithfrom the exterior casing, a valve-opening therethrough, a valve for saidopening, mechanism borne by said plate for actuating the valve; andmeans for removing the interior casing, removable plate, and parts bornethereby.

fil). .in a fuel feeding device, a valve, a valve-operating mechanismcomprising a buoyant float, an inverted cup extending over said ioat andmovable with reference thereto, and a connection intermediate the cupand float and effective for transmitting movement of the cup to thevalve as the parts become buoyant.

Lll. A fuel feeding device having a suction chamber and a distributingchamber, a valve controlling communication between said chambers,resiliently actuated toggle levers for moving said valve, a float formoving said toggle levers, and an inverted cup coperating with saidfloat to operate said levers.

JOSEPH C. COULOMBE. Witnesses:

WARREN IPI. BISHOP, ARTHUR HARRIsoN.

